Venue increased prices for 2014

Your venue didn't lock you in when you signed your contract? Just because the prices went up, if you booked beforehand, why does it affect you?

As Marisa said, weren't you locked in to the 2013 prices? My venue contract states specifically what the prices are and are not subject to change, since I booked in 2013 I will not be affected by the price increase or any changes to menu or enhancement options.

Well, at least they had the decency to give you notice when you booked.

With my venue, prices don't lock until 6 months before your date

I would ask them if you could pay a small fee and bring in your own caterer, since the prices were far more than you were led to believe.

Uh, i find it really unusual that by you booking didn't lock you into those prices. that's insane. we booked our venue nearly two years in advance. our venue is already really popular and is recently getting a ton of publicity and more popularity. i'm sure they're prices are going to go up and if it meant we were going to have the pay the new prices i would not have booked.

that sounds so crazy to me to book something without knowing exactly what you're going to be paying. i can't believe some venues expect that of couples...

I also find it very strange that when you booked prices weren't stipulated. So in essence according to them you signed a contract with them to pay whatever price they decide? Typically if there is a contract in place that states a price change for the wedding and it will have the exact price changes listed. I'm fairly sure that what they are doing isn't legal. I would speak to a lawyer and negotiate the price change with them. Did you ever inquire to them what the price change would be when they notified you before signing the contract?

For instance with my business I have contracts that stipulate prices that are valid within a certain year. When someone signs with the 2013 prices those are the prices that they pay. If I were to raise my prices I would have a different contract signed and the couple would never even see my old prices.

That's terrible. I would never book at a place that could raise prices on me at any time. For me, prices nearly quadrupled at my venue for the same wedding, so I was so happy to be booked at the lower price

I didn't run into this either. I booked mine February of 2013 for a May 2014 wedding and I booked it at 2013 prices. They raised the prices for 2014, but I'm locked in at 2013.

My contract specifically states that the prices for the wedding will be based on the prices for the year of the wedding - so when I booked in 2013 -- I will be charged for 2014 prices.

BUT - in my defense - when I picked our venue - I actually budgeted in a 12% increase in price (which is an average increase) and that way I have some wiggle room - and if the prices dont go up - there are those chair covers I could not fit into the budget

I am with everyone else. I find it odd that you wouldn't have had a solid price (at least for the venue itself) at the time of signing the contract. Also, as a caterer, I find it really weird not to have a chicken dish. Not even considering that it is more economical, it is one of the most liked/used proteins. Lots of people don't eat fish and beef. Chicken is the "safe" option. Aside from people with dietary restrictions, it's what most people won't have an issue with. I would talk to them and ask where the chicken option is.

Having been a caterer, I find it strange too. Our contract always had a price in it; now, that being said, we reserved the right to suggest substitutions if say, asparagus was 4.00 more a lb the week of the wedding than it was when you booked, but a price booked is a price honored.

And no, most places will not allow you to bring your own caterer in, fee or no. It presents too many problems with insurance and the 'small fee' won't cover their profits on the day.

You need to have a strong, calm discussion with them, letting them know that you signed a contract and you knew that the pricing might change a bit but LOTS is not good. If that doesn't work, get rid of the late night food, change the bar, and get that chicken for everyone. That is almost always the cheapest alternative.

In my opinion I never would of booked with that venue. Your basically signing for them to charge you whatever they want because you dont know what the 2014 prices are in 2013. It sounds like there way of making more money. I never sign anything if I don't know exactly how much its gonna cost. Can you change venue?

Honestly? my venue contract did NOT mention prices. in retrospect this was pretty naive on my part, but they honored the price we had been told at our initial visit to the venue. overall we ended up way under our budget for venue and food, but we lucked out by not having any issues with pricing, despite me just having hand written (by me) notes from our first visit regarding prices and the Friday discount

I also would hope that your price was locked in when you signed the contract....

There are clauses in your contract that don't necessarily lock in the current price. If your contract states that price increases will affect you, then there isn't much you can do about the changes and increase. Read your contract thoroughly and discuss it with the event manager at your venue.

My venue does NOT lock you into prices when you book. I am waiting for the 2014 increases as well. However, she did give me a rough estimate on what to expect.

Mine had prices but reserves the right to increase up to 7% for 2014.

I would ask them if the chicken option was still available. Some places don't mind working with you. If thats what you were really interested in it never hurts to ask.

That is crazy! I'm sorry you have to deal with that. I would have never booked a place that wasn't going to lock prices for me. But you must really like that place. Good luck making cuts (if you end up having to do that)!

My contract states prices are subject to change and are not locked in until 30days before the wedding. Unfortunately it happens. I'm really hoping mine don't increase. I hope you are able to work it out, good luck!